Cronin, 60, begins his first stint as an NHL head coach following 36 years of prior coaching and player development experience, including 12 years as an NHL assistant coach, and roles in the American Hockey League (AHL), NCAA and at USA Hockey. He joins Anaheim after spending five seasons as the head coach of the Colorado Eagles, the Colorado Avalanche's primary development affiliate in the AHL. He led the Eagles to a 164-104-30 record (.601%) and also guided the club to Calder Cup Playoff appearances in four of his five seasons, going 12-10 in the postseason (.545%). As a head coach in the AHL with Colorado (2018-23) and Bridgeport (2003-05), Cronin led his teams to a 242-165-51 record in 458 games (.584%).

"I'm excited and honored to be named head coach of the Anaheim Ducks," said Cronin. "This team has a fantastic future ahead, and I'm very grateful to the Samueli family and Pat Verbeek for entrusting me with this amazing opportunity."

In Colorado, Cronin oversaw the development of numerous players in the Avalanche organization, including three players who helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022 (Alex Newhook, Logan O'Connor and Pavel Francouz). He also helped 18 players make their NHL debut with the Avalanche after spending time under his leadership with the Eagles in the AHL.

Prior to his role with Colorado, Cronin spent seven straight seasons as a coach in the NHL. He spent four seasons with the New York Islanders, including three seasons as an assistant coach (2014-17) before being promoted to associate coach in 2017-18. He also served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2011-14, helping the club to its first playoff appearance in nine seasons in 2013.

Cronin's first stint with the Islanders organization spanned seven seasons, including two seasons as head coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (2002-05), the Islanders' primary development affiliate in the AHL, and five seasons as an assistant coach from 1998-03. He also served as the club's director of player development from 2002-05. During his time with the Islanders, Michael Peca was named the Selke Trophy winner in 2001-02.

Cronin spent six seasons as the head coach of Northeastern University from 2005-11. He was named the Hockey East's Coach of the Year in 2009 after guiding the team to a 25-12-4 record and the school's first NCAA tournament appearance in 15 years. He was an assistant coach at the University of Maine from 1988-90 and 1993-95, while he served as interim head coach from December 1995 through December 1996. He was also an assistant coach at Colorado College (1990-93) where he helped the Tigers reach the WCHA Tournament final in 1992 for the first time in 14 years.

A co-founder of the United States National Development Program (USNTDP), Cronin spent the inaugural season of the program as director of player development in 1996-97 and served as head coach in 1997-98. Cronin assisted in developing players from the inaugural USNTDP team to be selected in the NHL Draft, including the first overall selection in 2000, Rick DiPietro. Additional top drafted players include Ron Hainsey (13th overall in 2000), Jordan Leopold (second round in 1999), Brad Winchester (second round in 2000) and John Michael-Liles (fifth round in 2000).

Cronin played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Colby College from 1982-86, helping the team to ECAC Division II Final Four appearances in 1983 and 1984, while he received the Most Improved Player Award in 1984 and the Coach's Award in 1986. He began his coaching career at his alma mater in 1987-88. He earned a master's degree in business at the University of Maine in 1990 while serving as a graduate assistant for the hockey program.

The Arlington, Mass. native served as an assistant coach for Team USA at three World Championships (1997, 2011 and 2012). He was also an assistant coach at back-to-back World Junior Championships in 1997 and 1998, helping the U.S. to a silver medal in 1997.